Authorities on Wednesday launched its first community living room on Hong Kong Island, with the Shau Kei Wan facility expected to serve households from more than 300 subdivided flats.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan said the new space – the fifth such facility in the territory – is fully equipped with amenities such as a kitchen and massage chairs. He also pointed out that social workers will provide homework assistance there.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, Chan expressed the hope that families would visit the community living room regularly.

"I hope this additional living space can become a second home for our friends living in subdivided flats, transforming their homes into just bedrooms," he said.

"Through spending their daily lives here, I believe it will greatly help both their living needs and emotional well-being."

Chan said the 2,700-square-foot area is expected to serve 330 subdivided unit tenants and attract around 50,000 visits a year.

The new space along with the four existing community living rooms, will support more than 2,000 subdivided flat households and handle 320,000 visits annually.

The chief secretary added that the success of community living rooms is based on cooperation between the government, the business sector and non-profit organisations.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Chan revealed that another community living room will open next month on Ko Shan Road, with three more being planned in Prince Edward, Sham Shui Po, and Kowloon City.

The chief secretary also said officials will report the consultation results on the proposed regulatory regime for Basic Housing Units to the Legislative Council at the end of this month. They hope to table the bill by the middle of the year and pass it within 2025.

Sources say authorities plan to require those who want to register for Basic Housing Units to avoid signing new leases for a specified period until their flats are renovated and certified.

Chan brushed aside questions on whether the move would leave some subdivided flat tenants homeless, saying that the government aims to provide a suitable living environment for residents.
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Last updated: 2025-03-19 HKT 18:42